#HowIBoomalang is a series highlighting how educators integrate Boomalang conversations into their classrooms to create meaningful, real-world language learning. In this edition, we feature Christy Haynes of Marion High School, who uses Boomalang to prepare her students for the Seal of Biliteracy and build confidence in speaking.
“With these upper levels, we thought this would be great preparation for the Seal of Biliteracy test.”
Classes: Spanish 3, 4, & 5
Problem
After the opening of a new state-of-the-art language facility, Christy Haynes saw an opportunity to do more with her Spanish program. With video equipment and recording tools in place, she began building more interactive activities like pairing students for video interviews, recording feedback, and encouraging oral expression.
“It allowed us to do more interactive activities with the students. We have web cameras, and I pair up the students to do video interviews with each other. I also create videos of myself interviewing them, and they can answer them as a recording, and I can give them feedback. As you can imagine, with a classroom of 25 students, it’s challenging to do any kind of oral assessment, especially one-on-one with a student, nearly impossible! The language lab really opened that door [to allow for something like Boomalang].”
With 93% of her students already qualifying for the Seal of Biliteracy, Christy was looking for a tool that could help push that number to 100%.
Solution
Boomalang stood out as a practical and engaging way to support virtual Spanish speaking practice for high school students.
“[Boomalang] would be great preparation for the Seal of Biliteracy test and more opportunities to use Spanish in a practical sense.”
To fully leverage the new language lab, Christy hosts “Lab Night” twice a month for students to schedule a Boomalang conversation during that time window.
Every student was required to complete one conversation each month throughout the school year.
“At first, I was reviewing every single conversation, and then it became quite clear that the speakers at Boomalang are really good at prompting the students and helping them speak Spanish. Now, I do more of a spot check. We worked out a cheat sheet together to remind them how to talk about various things, like the weather, so they have a little security blanket.
I do have them cover certain topics every month-usually they are thematic. This month, Span 3 is focusing on relationships. Span 4 is finishing up a student adaptation of Don Quixote, so that’s their topic.
And the students had great ideas. I have some animal lovers in the class, and they asked, ‘Can we talk about our pets? Can we show them pictures?’ and I said ‘Absolutely!’
I’ve also had a few students approach me and ask me how to ask certain questions based on conversations they wanted to start.”
Results
“It’s safe to say Marion High School is maximizing its new language lab with the addition of Boomalang. Once you get it going, there’s not a lot of work on the teacher’s end. You get a lot of profit for very little effort, in that you don’t need to prep, plan, and prepare. The speakers take care of that.
You reap those benefits because Boomalang is available 24 hours a day. And of the conversations I’ve listened to, how the speakers handle the students when they aren’t sure how to express themselves or don’t understand the questions, the speakers are incredibly patient and thoughtful. They build the students up. They definitely encourage them. And that’s one thing I would get unanimous agreement from my students that they feel more confident speaking Spanish.
I’ve had several students tell me that Boomalang helped them get over that affective filter when it comes to speaking Spanish, helping them with much-needed practice outside of the classroom.”
*UPDATE as of 5/10/18: 100% of Christy’s students qualified for recognition on the Seal of Biliteracy testing this year. Congratulations to Christy and her students!
For high school educators working toward the Seal of Biliteracy Spanish preparation, Boomalang provides the structure, flexibility, and cultural authenticity to make oral proficiency more accessible and less intimidating for students.
Have a story to share?
Whether it’s a small win or a big breakthrough, we’d love to hear it. Help grow the Boomalang community by commenting below, emailing info@boomalang.co, or sharing your experience on Twitter using #HowIBoomalang.
Saludos,
Alison, Community Engagement
